Efficient Extractive Desulfurization of Fuel Oils Using N‐Pyrrolidone/Alkylphosphate‐Based Ionic Liquids

Four BrOsted acid ionic liquids (ILS) [MMP][DMP], [MEP][DEP], [HMP][DMP] and [HEP][DEP] were synthesized and used as extractants for desulfurization of aromatic sulfur compounds in model oil. The mutual solubility of four ILs were investigated. The extraction equilibrium of four ILs could be reached in as soon as 5 min and the extraction capability followed the order [MMP][DMP]>[MEP][DEP]>[HEP][DEP]>[HMP][DMP]. The S extraction showed the highest efficiency under the conditions of 30°C, 30 min and 1:1 (V/V) IL:oil. Under the optimal condition, 70.9% of thiophene (TS), 76.9% of benzothiophene (BT) and 87.5% of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in n-octane could be efficiently removed by [MMP][DMP]. The multiple extraction and regeneration performance of [MMP][DMP] for TS was also investigated and the results were satisfying. These results suggest that [MMP][DMP] has the best extraction capability and can serve as a promising solvent for extractive desulfurization of fuel oils.